RCMPS’ recommendations top priority — PM

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh on Wednesday said that the draft laws prepared by the Royal Committee to Modernise the Political System (RCMPS) and the constitutional amendments to the Lower House are a matter of urgency before the next regular session, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The prime minister said that the government will propose  additional amendments to the Constitution to “crystallise” the modernisation programme that will be aligned with the Royal discussion papers. 

Khasawneh stressed that the proposed draft laws reflect the political and intellectual diversity in the Jordanian society.

On parties, partisan work has become required and desirable and stimulating it will pave the way for surpassing subjectivity in choosing ministers, he said. The PM said that party-majority governments require transferring the oversight of the parties to an independent body to achieve impartiality.

In regard to defence orders, the prime minister noted that the government will cease having defence orders once the number of coronavirus cases diminished, highlighting the commitment to implement defence orders as they currently contribute to protecting 100,000 jobs for Jordanians in various sectors. 

Vaccination of the widest possible segments of society will lead to recovery and return to normal life, the prime minister said, underlining that defence orders constitute legislative tools to encourage the largest number of people to receive the coronavirus vaccine. 

Khasawneh highlighted that His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts and international standing helped Jordan obtain vaccines, emphasising as well the diligent follow-up of HRH Crown Prince Hussein to ensure that vaccines reached people easily and efficiently.

On lockdowns, he announced that it is not possible to return to the total or partial closures, adding that festivals contribute to stimulating the economy and can be accessed only by vaccinated individuals or those with negative coronavirus test results.  

Concerning Jordan's stances, he described them as “principled and uncompromising”, noting that the government’s utmost priority is to implement the vision of His Majesty to provide the best for Jordanians. 

The government has set a plan to achieve its goals within 24 months, according to “a clear timetable”, he said, adding that the government's agenda prioritises “a comprehensive qualitative shift” in the economy, development and investment.

Similarly, he said that the government’s economic plans will be reviewed every six months. 

He highlighted that JD80 million is allocated to bolster employment and JD20 million to support tourism in 2022’s budget, noting that 65 per cent of current expenditures go to salaries and pensions.

In order to materialise administrative reform, there must be a real partnership with the private sector, he highlighted, adding that it is necessary to diligently tackle corruption by adhering to public accountability, as Jordanian societal heritage rejects corruption.

The new electric tariff will not affect 93 per cent of the population, he said.

Thanking media outlets, he emphasised that the government completely accepts the highest levels of objective criticism.

The prime minister described Jordanian-American relations as “excellent and strategic”, employed to serve the Palestinian cause and Arab causes

On another note, he said that relations with the new Israeli government are governed by its commitment to achieving a just and comprehensive peace and achieving the two-state solution.

In regard to Jordan's ties with Arab countries, he noted that the tripartite relations with Egypt and Iraq aim to achieve the common interests of the three countries.